Monitoring Desk
ISLAMABAD – Saudi Arabia has reinforced its commitment to human rights by building a comprehensive anti-human trafficking system aligned with international standards, according to Hala bint Mazyad Altuwaijri, President of the Human Rights Commission and Chair of the Saudi National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking.
In a statement marking the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, observed annually on July 30, Altuwaijri said that under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and the continuous support of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the Kingdom has undertaken wide-ranging human rights reforms and implemented robust measures to combat trafficking in persons.
A major step in this direction is the Crown Prince’s directive to establish the General Directorate for Community Security and Combating Human Trafficking Crimes, which functions under the General Directorate of Public Security. The new body is tasked with eliminating trafficking crimes and enhancing public security across the Kingdom.
Altuwaijri emphasized that the Saudi government has strengthened its regulatory framework through the National Policy for the Elimination of Forced Labor, alongside updates to relevant laws and bylaws. New protections have also been introduced for labor rights, whistleblowers, witnesses, experts, and victims.
She further noted that the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking aims to deliver long-term impact by executing its national action plan, implementing a national referral mechanism for victims, and finalizing trafficking indicators and a central database of cases.
Highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts, Altuwaijri underscored Saudi Arabia’s engagement at national, regional, and international levels, including the establishment of a joint fund with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to provide direct support to trafficking victims.
